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Abstract:

An exercise device comprises an exercise brace, a first strap, a second
strap and a resistance band. The exercise brace includes a first frame
member and a second frame member that pivotably couples to the first
frame member. The first strap couples to the first frame member about an
end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to a user.
Similarly, the second strap couples to the second frame member about an
end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to the
user. The resistance band couples to the exercise brace such that the
resistance band creates a resistance to pivoting movement between the
first frame member and the second frame member.

Claims:

1. An exercise device, comprising: an exercise brace having: a first
frame member; and a second frame member that pivotably couples to the
first frame member; a first strap that couples to the first frame member
about an end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to
a user; a second strap that couples to the second frame member about an
end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to the
user; a resistance band that couples to the exercise brace; and at least
one band engaging member extending from the exercise brace, each band
engaging member arranged such that when the resistance band is brought
into contact with the band engaging member, the resistance band creates a
resistance to pivoting movement between the first frame member and the
second frame member.

2. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
band engaging member comprises a pulley.

3. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance band
has a first end that couples to the end portion of the second frame
member and a second end that couples to the pivot point between the first
frame member and the second frame member.

4. The exercise device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second
ends of the resistance band are pivotable relative to the exercise brace.

5. The exercise device according to claim 1, further comprising a third
strap that couples to the exercise brace adjacent to the point where the
first frame member pivotably couples to the second frame member.

6. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one
band engaging member extending from the exercise brace, comprises: a
first band engaging member that couples to the first frame member, and a
second band engaging member that couples to the first frame member spaced
apart from the first band engaging member; and the second frame member
pivotably couples to the first frame member at a position along the first
frame member between the first band engaging member and the second band
engaging member, such that the device provides a first exercise when the
resistance band engages the first band engaging member and the device
provides a second exercise when the resistance band engages the second
band engaging member.

7. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance band
comprises: at least one elastic cord.

8. The exercise device according to claim 7, wherein the at least one
elastic cord comprises a plurality of elastic cords, where the user can
utilize any combination cords to set the desired resistance.

9. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein a first end of the
resistance band couples to a ratchet mechanism that is operated to adjust
the length of the resistance band extending therefrom.

10. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein at least one band
engaging member is user repositionable along the exercise brace.

11. An exercise device, comprising: an exercise brace having: a first
frame member; and a second frame member that pivotably couples to the
first frame member; a first strap that couples to the first frame member
about an end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to
a user; a second strap that couples to the second frame member about an
end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to the
user; and a resistance band that couples to the exercise brace such that
the resistance band creates a resistance to pivoting movement between the
first frame member and the second frame member.

12. The exercise device according to claim 10, wherein at least one end
of the resistance band detachably releases from the exercise brace and
reattaches to a select one of at least two positions.

13. The exercise device according to claim 11, wherein the resistance
band has a first end that detachably couples to the first frame member
along at least two postions, and a second end that couples to the second
frame member.

14. The exercise device according to claim 11, further comprising a third
strap that couples to the exercise brace adjacent to the point where the
first frame member pivotably couples to the second frame member.

15. The exercise device according to claim 11, wherein the resistance
band comprises: at least one elastic cord.

16. The exercise device according to claim 15, wherein the at least one
elastic cord comprises a plurality of elastic cords, where the user can
utilize any combination cords to set the desired resistance.

17. The exercise device according to claim 11, wherein a first end of the
resistance band couples to a ratchet mechanism that is operated to adjust
the length of the resistance band extending therefrom.

18. A method of providing multiple exercises in a single exercise device,
comprising: providing an exercise brace having: a first frame member; and
a second frame member that pivotably couples to the first frame member;
providing a first strap that couples to the first frame member about an
end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to a user;
providing a second strap that couples to the second frame member about an
end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to the
user; providing a resistance band that couples to the exercise brace; and
providing a first band engaging member extending from the exercise brace
and a second band engaging member extending from the exercise brace, each
band engaging member arranged such that when the resistance band is
brought into contact with a selected band engaging member, the resistance
band creates a resistance to pivoting movement between the first frame
member and the second frame member.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: positioning
each of the first and second band engaging members along the first frame
member such that the exercise device provides a push exercise when the
resistance band is brought into contact with a first one of the first and
second band engaging members, and the exercise device provides a pull
exercise when the resistance band is brought into contact with a second
one of the first and second band engaging members.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: providing at
least one feature on the exercise brace that allows the user to adjust
the resistance provided by the resistance band.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/474,791, filed Apr. 13, 2011, entitled "EXERCISE
BRACE", the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Various aspects of the present invention relate generally to a
device for exercising, and more particularly, to a brace that is worn
during exercise to provide arm and/or leg workouts.

[0003] Physical exercise is a recognized beneficial bodily activity that
can be used for fitness, therapeutic purposes and health purposes. In
order to promote physical exercise, a wide range of exercise devices are
commercially available. For instance, exercise devices may take the form
of free weights, including barbells, dumbbells and kettlebells.
Unfortunately, barbells require a plurality of disc plates of varying
weight to provide a satisfactory workout. Also, dumbbells and kettlebells
come in a wide range of weights. As such, a user may be inclined to
purchase dumbbells and kettlebells in sets, requiring a large area to
store the equipment.

[0004] Exercise devices may also take the form of weight resistance
machines. Typical weight resistance machines require a user to sit, lay
on or stand adjacent to different stations, components or features of the
machine to work out different muscle groups. These machines are large,
expensive and cumbersome. Even exercise devices designed to facilitate
cardiovascular workouts, e.g., treadmills, stairclimbers and elliptical
machines, are large, bulky and expensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] According to aspects of the present invention, an exercise device
comprises an exercise brace, a first strap, a second strap, a resistance
band and at least one band engaging member. The exercise brace includes a
first frame member and a second frame member that pivotably couples to
the first frame member. The first strap couples to the first frame member
about an end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to
a user. Similarly, the second strap couples to the second frame member
about an end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to
the user. The resistance band couples to the exercise brace. Moreover, at
least one band engaging member extends from the exercise brace, each band
engaging member arranged such that when the resistance band is brought
into contact with the band engaging member, the resistance band creates a
resistance to pivoting movement between the first frame member and the
second frame member.

[0006] According to further aspects of the present invention, an exercise
device comprises an exercise brace, a first strap, a second strap and a
resistance band. The exercise brace includes a first frame member and a
second frame member that pivotably couples to the first frame member. The
first strap couples to the first frame member about an end portion
thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to a user. Similarly,
the second strap couples to the second frame member about an end portion
thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to the user. The
resistance band couples to the exercise brace such that the resistance
band creates a resistance to pivoting movement between the first frame
member and the second frame member.

[0007] According to still further aspects of the present invention, a
method of providing multiple exercises in a single exercise device is
provided. The method comprises providing an exercise brace having a first
frame member and a second frame member that pivotably couples to the
first frame member. The method also comprises providing a first strap
that couples to the first frame member about an end portion thereof to
temporarily attach the exercise device to a user and providing a second
strap that couples to the second frame member about an end portion
thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to the user. The method
still further comprises providing a resistance band that couples to the
exercise brace and providing a first band engaging member extending from
the exercise brace and a second band engaging member extending from the
exercise brace, each band engaging member arranged such that when the
resistance band is brought into contact with a selected band engaging
member, the resistance band creates a resistance to pivoting movement
between the first frame member and the second frame member.

[0008] The method may further comprise positioning each of the first and
second band engaging members along the first frame member such that the
exercise device provides a push exercise when the resistance band is
brought into contact with a first one of the first and second band
engaging members, and the exercise device provides a pull exercise when
the resistance band is brought into contact with a second one of the
first and second band engaging members.

[0009] The method may also comprise providing at least one feature on the
exercise brace that allows the user to adjust the resistance provided by
the resistance band, e.g., by adjusting the position of the resistance
band on the exercise brace, by adjusting the number, size, length,
thickness, resilience, or other aspect of the resistance band or by using
other suitable techniques, examples of which are set out in greater
detail herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise device according to aspects of the
present invention, as an exploded parts view;

[0011]FIG. 2 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 1, as assembly view
strapped to an arm of a user;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an exercise device according to aspects of the
present invention, where the exercise device is placed on an arm of a
user, and an elastic resistance band of the exercise device is in a
disengaged position;

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 3 on the user's arm,
with the elastic resistance band in a first engaged position, thus ready
to perform an exercise such as a bicep curl;

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 4 on the user's arm,
with the elastic resistance band engaged, performing a bicep curl where
the arm is fully flexed;

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 3 where the elastic
resistance band of the exercise device is in a disengaged position;

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 6 on the user's arm,
with the elastic resistance band in a second engaged position, thus ready
to perform an exercise such as a triceps extension;

[0017]FIG. 8 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 7 on the user's arm,
with the elastic resistance band engaged, performing a triceps extension
where the arm is fully extended;

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an exercise device according to aspects of the
invention, where the exercise device is placed on a leg of a user, and an
elastic resistance band of the exercise device is in a disengaged
position;

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 9 on the user's
leg, with the elastic resistance band in a first engaged position, thus
ready to perform an exercise such as a leg extension;

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 10 on the user's
leg, with the elastic resistance band engaged, performing a leg extension
where the leg is fully extended;

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 9 on the user's leg
according to aspects of the invention, where the elastic resistance band
of the exercise device is in a disengaged position;

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 12 on the user's
leg, with the elastic resistance band in a second engaged position, thus
ready to perform an exercise such as a leg curl;

[0023]FIG. 14 illustrates the exercise device of FIG. 13 on the user's
leg, with the elastic resistance band engaged, performing a leg curl
where the leg is fully flexed in a closed position;

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates an exercise device according to aspects of the
present invention, with an elastic band system that enables the user to
adjust between a multitude of resistance options;

[0025]FIG. 16 illustrates an exercise device according to further aspects
of the present invention, that utilizes a ratchet for adjustable
tensioning; and

[0026]FIG. 17 illustrates an exercise device according to yet further
aspects of the present invention, having an elastic band system that
allows the user to remove one or both ends for reattaching and
repositioning.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIG. 1, an
exercise device 10 is illustrated according to various aspects of the
present invention. The exercise device 10 is illustrated in an exploded
view in FIG. 1 for purposes of clarity of explanation of the exercise
device components. The exercise device 10 comprises an exercise brace 12
having a first frame member 14 and a second frame member 16 that
pivotably couples to the first frame member 14. For instance, as
illustrated in the exemplary implementation, the second frame member 16
pivots relative to the first frame member 14 about a pivot point 18. In
the illustrative implementation, the first frame member 14 defines an
upper structure and the second frame member 14 defines a lower structure
of the exercise brace 12. Also, as illustrated, the first frame member 14
is longer than the second frame member 16. In this regard, the pivot
point 18 is approximately in the middle of the overall length of the
brace 12 when the first frame member 14 and the second frame member 16
are end to end.

[0028] A first strap 20 couples to the first frame member 14 about an end
portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device 10 to a user,
e.g., to a limb of the user, as will be described in greater detail
herein. Analogously, a second strap 22 couples to the second frame member
about an end portion thereof to temporarily attach the exercise device to
the user. As an illustrative implementation, the first strap 20 (also
referred to as an upper strap 20), and the second strap 22 (also referred
to as a lower strap 22) may each be implemented using Velcro® or
other hook and loop fastener, a strap with a buckle and clasp or other
arrangement for temporarily fastening the device to a person. Moreover,
the first frame member 14 may include a feature such as a slot
arrangement 24 for receiving the first strap 20. Similarly, the second
frame member 16 may include a slot arrangement 26 for receiving the
second strap 22.

[0029] The exercise device 10 also includes a resistance band 28 that
couples to the exercise brace 12. The resistance band 28 provides
resistance during exercise operations, to pivoting movement between the
first frame member 14 and the second frame member 16. As illustrated, the
resistance band 28 includes a first end member 30 and a second member 32.
The first and second end members 30, 32 provide attachment features, and
in some illustrative embodiments, provide pivoting, rotating and/or other
forms of movement as will be described in greater detail below. In an
illustrative implementation, the resistance band 28 is coupled between
the second frame member 16 and the pivot point 18. However, other
connection locations may alternatively be implemented. The resistance
band 28 may comprise a chord, bungee, rubber, tubing or other material
that can stretch, deform or otherwise generate resistance as the second
frame member 16 pivots relative to the first frame member 14.

[0030] The exercise device 10 still further comprises at least one band
engaging member extending from the exercise brace 12. As illustrated,
there are two band engaging members, 34 and 36 that extend from the first
frame member 14. However, the illustrated embodiment of the present
invention is not so limited. Rather, any number of band engaging members
may be implemented in practice. Each band engaging member 34, 36 can be
fixedly positioned along the corresponding frame member, e.g., the first
frame member 14 as shown. Alternatively, a band engaging member may be
repositionable along the corresponding frame member, e.g., using slots
that allow slidable adjustment, using predefined alignment holes, etc.

[0031] Each band engaging member is arranged such that when the resistance
band 28 is brought into contact with the corresponding band engaging
member 34, 36, the resistance band 28 creates a resistance to pivoting
movement between the first frame member 14 and the second frame member 16
about the pivot point 18.

[0032] The exercise device 10 may also optionally include a third strap
38, which couples to the exercise brace 12 adjacent to the pivot point 18
where the first frame member 14 pivotably couples to the second frame
member 16. In this regard, the third strap 38 is also referred to herein
as a middle strap.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, the exercise device 10 is illustrated as being
worn by a user that intends to use the device to exercise. As
illustrated, the first frame member 14 is strapped about the arm of the
user by the first strap 20. In this regard, the term "arm" is used to
refer to the limb segment between the shoulder and the elbow.
Correspondingly, the second frame member 16 is strapped to the forearm of
the user by the second strap 22. Here, "forearm" is used to refer to the
limb segment between the elbow and wrist. The third strap 34 couples
around the user's limb in close proximity to the user's elbow.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates the exercise brace 12 positioned in a rested
state with the resistance band 28 free floating and not connected, i.e.,
disassociated with all of the band engaging members 34, 36. FIG. 3 is
provided to assist the reader in better understanding the steps of moving
the resistance band 28 such that the exercise device 10 can be used as
bicep curl exerciser.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 4, the user has flipped over the resistance band
28 so as to contact the lower band engaging member 34. Thus, the
resistance band 28 is now associated with the lower band engaging member
34. In this regard, the resistance band 28 provides relatively minimal
resistance when the arm is fully extended. To perform the exercise, the
user performs a bicep curl by bending the arm at the elbow. During this
motion, resistance is increased while the user's arm is flexed upward for
a bicep curl.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, the exercise device 10 is in a fully flexed
position during a bicep curl. Bending the limb at the elbow causes
corresponding pivoting of the second frame member 16 relative to the
first frame member 14 about the pivot point 18. This motion causes the
resistance band 28, in cooperation with the band engaging member 34, to
stretch, providing resistance to the movement.

[0037] The user performs the exercise for as many reps as deemed
necessary. Each time the limb transitions from the fully extended
position to the fully flexed position, the second frame member 16 pivots
about the pivot point 18 relative to the first frame member 14. However,
because the resistance band 28 is routed behind the band engagement
member 32, the resistance band is stretched as the limb bends at the
elbow.

[0038] In an illustrative exemplary implementation, the band engaging
member 32 comprises a pulley. However, in practice, the band engaging
member may comprise a post, grooved member or other device that contacts
the resistance band 28. In this regard, the band engaging member 34 may
reduce friction, such as by providing a surface that rolls, rotates,
slides or otherwise engages with the resistance band 28.

[0039] Moreover, as illustrated, the resistance band 28 has a first end 30
that couples to the pivot point 18 between the first frame member 14 and
the second frame member 16. In this regard, the pivot point 18 serves as
a central pivot point of the device 10. The resistance band 28 also
comprises a second end 32 that couples to the end portion of the second
frame member 16, e.g., adjacent to the second support strap 22. In an
illustrative exemplary implementation, the first and second ends 30, 32
of the resistance band 28 are pivotable relative to the exercise brace
12. For instance, in an exemplary implementation, the second frame member
16 includes a receiving hole for receiving an end of the resistance band
28. The end 32 may snap, click, pop, or otherwise engage the receiving
hole. A similar mechanism is also used to couple the first end 30 to the
pivot point 18. In this regard, the first and second frame members 14, 16
can pivot relative to each other during exercise while allowing the
resistance band 28 to pivot independently. However, other arrangements
may alternatively be implemented.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 6, the exercise device 10 is positioned in a
rested state with the resistance band 28 free floating and not connected,
i.e., disassociated with all of the band engaging members 34, 36.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, the user has slipped the resistance band 28
around the second resistance band engaging member 36, which is coupled to
the first frame member 14 proximate to the first strap 20. Thus, the
resistance band 28 is now associated with the upper band engaging member
36. The device is now suitably configured to perform as a triceps curl
exerciser. Notably, the user's elbow is in a bent position and the
resistance band 28 is generally un-stretched.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 8, the limb is fully extended during triceps
extension. As the user straightens out the bend at the elbow, the
resistance band 28 is stretched, thus applying resistance to the limb
movement. The triceps exercise of FIGS. 6-8 can be performed over and
over as the resistance band 28 stretches and relaxes in cooperation with
the second resistance band engaging member 36. Where the second band
engaging member 36 comprises a pulley, the resistance for the triceps
exercise is generated as the band 28 rolls through the pulley. However,
in practice, the band engaging member 36 can comprise other structures,
examples of which are analogous to the band engaging member 32, described
above.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 9, the exercise device 10 is strapped to a lower
limb of the user. In this manner, the first frame member 14 is strapped
to the thigh of the user by the first strap 20. The second frame member
16 is strapped to the crus (calf/shin) of the user by the second strap
22. In FIG. 9, the device 10 is in a rest state with the resistance band
disassociated with the corresponding band engaging members 34, 36. This
figure is illustrated to better convey an understanding of the steps of
moving the resistance band 28 to be placed in position so that the
exercise device 10 can be used as a leg extension to work the quadriceps
muscle.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 10, the user has slipped the resistance band 28
around the second resistance band engaging member 36, which is coupled to
the first frame member 14 proximate to the first strap 20. Thus, the
resistance band 28 is now associated with the upper band engaging member
36. The device is now suitably configured to perform as a quadriceps
exerciser. Notably, the user's knee is in a bent position and the
resistance band 28 is generally un-stretched.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 11, the limb is fully extended during quadriceps
extension. As the user straightens out the bend at the knee, the
resistance band 28 is stretched, thus applying resistance to the limb
movement. The quadriceps exercise of FIGS. 9-11 can be performed over and
over as the resistance band 28 stretches and relaxes in cooperation with
the second resistance band engaging member 36. Where the second band
engaging member comprises a pulley, the resistance for the quadriceps
exercise is generated as the band 28 rolls through the pulley. However,
in practice, the band engaging member 36 can comprise other structures,
examples of which are analogous to the band engaging member 32, described
above.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 12, the device 10 is in a rest state with the
resistance band 28 disassociated with the corresponding band engaging
members 34, 36. This FIGURE is illustrated to better convey an
understanding of the steps of moving the resistance band 28 to be placed
in position so that the exercise device 10 can be used as a leg extension
to work the hamstring muscle.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 13, the user has slipped the resistance band 28
around the first resistance band engaging member 34, which is coupled to
the first frame member 14 opposite of the first strap 20. Thus, the
resistance band 28 is now associated with the lower band engaging member
34. The device is now suitably configured to perform as a hamstring
exerciser. In this regard, the resistance band 28 provides relatively
minimal resistance when the leg is fully extended. To perform the
exercise, the user performs a leg curl by bending the leg at the knee.
During this motion, resistance is increased while the user's leg is
flexed for a leg curl.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 14, the leg is bent at the knee. The exercise
device 10 is in a fully flexed position during a leg curl. Bending the
limb at the knee causes corresponding pivoting of the second frame member
16 relative to the first frame member 14 about the pivot point 18. This
motion causes the resistance band 28, in cooperation with the band
engaging member 34, to stretch, providing resistance to the movement. The
hamstring exercise of FIGS. 12-14 gives the user resistance while the leg
is flexed inward for a leg curl to exercise to the hamstring muscle, and
can be performed over and over as the resistance band 28 stretches and
relaxes in cooperation with the second resistance band engaging member
34.

[0049] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the
exercise device 10 provides a first band engaging member 34 that couples
to the first frame member and a second band engaging member 36 that also
couples to the first frame member. The second frame member 16 pivotably
couples to the first frame member 14 at a position along the first frame
member 14 between the first band engaging member 34 and the second band
engaging member 36. In this manner, the device 10 provides a first
exercise when the resistance band engages the first band engaging member
34 and the device 10 provides a second exercise when the resistance band
engages the second band engaging member 36. Moreover, the first and
second exercises provide resistance in generally opposite directions,
allowing different muscle groups to be exercised.

[0050] As noted in greater detail herein, the first band engaging member
34, e.g., a pulley, couples to the first frame member 14. The first band
engaging member 34 is located along the first frame member 14 generally
towards the first strap 20. The second band engaging member 36 couples to
the first frame member 14 generally towards an end portion opposite of
the first strap 20, i.e., towards the opposite end as the first band
engaging member 34.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 15, an alternative embodiment and method of
resistance for the exercise device 10 is illustrated according to aspects
of the present invention. As illustrated, the resistance band 28
comprises a multiple elastic cord assembly that includes, for instance, a
thin elastic cord 42, medium elastic cord 44, and thick elastic cord 46.
The user selects one of the three, or a combination of the three elastic
cords to use and to flip onto the appropriate resistance band engaging
members 34, 36. This provides the user with a variety of resistance
choices for exercising the bicep arm curl, triceps extension for arm,
quadriceps leg extension, and hamstring leg curl. Other numbers and/or
combinations of cords can alternatively be utilized.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 16, an exercise device 10 is illustrated
according to further aspects of the present invention. As illustrated,
the device utilizes a ratchet mechanism 48, e.g., a central ratchet drum,
which allows the elastic cord of the resistance band 50, e.g., a rubber
tube, to be lengthened or shortened. Thus, the user can change the length
and resistance of the elastic cord by turning the central ratchet drum.
This gives the user a variety of resistance choices for exercising the
bicep arm curl, triceps arm, quadriceps leg extension and hamstring leg
curl. Otherwise, the implementation of FIG. 16 operates substantially as
set out herein.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 17, an exercise device 10 is illustrated
according to further embodiments of the present invention. The exercise
brace 12 is substantially as described in greater detail herein, except
as noted below. As illustrated, a resistance band 62 is removable from
the exercise brace 12. For instance, a first end 64, a second end 66 or
both the first and second ends 64, 66 can be detached from the exercise
brace 12. In this regard, the ends 64, 66 can also be pivoting or
implement other features in a manner analogous to that set out in greater
detail herein. As illustrated, the first frame member 14 comprises a
plurality of holes 68, 70 therein. The end 64 of the resistance band 28
can thus be positioned in cooperation with any one of the holes 68, 70.
The user selection of a particular hole 68, 70 determines whether the
device 10 provides a pulling or pushing resistance. For instance, when
the end 64 of the resistance band 62 is mounted over the upper hole mount
68, then exercise device 10 can be used on arm for triceps extension and
leg for leg extension. When the end 64 of the resistance band 62 is
mounted over the lower position hole 70, then unit can be used on arm for
bicep curl or leg for hamstring curl.

[0054] Various aspects of the present invention provide a brace for
exercising that can be quickly and easily strapped onto a limb, e.g., arm
or leg, for exercise. The exercise device is compact and portable. In
general, the exercise device 10 has a first frame member 14 and a second
frame member 16 that pivots therebetween such that when worn, the pivot
point corresponds to a position proximate to an elbow or knee, depending
upon how the exercise device is being used. The resistance band 28, e.g.,
an elastic cord, connects the upper part of the brace with the lower part
of the brace. This makes it possible to create resistance for a leg or
arm exercise in a flexing or extending motion.

[0055] The exercise device 10 can be used while sitting down in a chair or
couch. The exercise device can also be used while walking, running,
dancing, doing aerobics or exercising giving the person more resistance
for a more strenuous workout. Because the exercise device 10 is strapped
onto the arm or leg it doesn't require the use of hands, wrist, ankles or
feet to perform the various exercises. Because of this, the exercise
device isolates the arm and leg muscles without stressing the hand,
wrist, ankle, or feet muscles.

[0056] When the exercise device 10 is strapped to the arm, two exercises
can be performed independently. A bicep curl can be performed in an
upward motion when the elastic band is put into one position. A triceps
extension can be performed in a downward motion when the elastic band is
put into another position.

[0057] When the exercise device is strapped to the leg, two exercises can
also be performed. The hamstring can be exercised in a downward motion
when the elastic band is put into one position. A quadriceps muscle can
be exercised in an upward motion when the elastic band is put into
another position.

[0058] Having thus described the invention of the present application in
detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that
modifications and variations are possible without departing from the
scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.